OAKLAND — Edson Buddle scored three goals for the second time in four weeks, and David Beckham had an assist during the Galaxy’s 3-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.

With Landon Donovan away on U.S. national team duty, Buddle stepped up with another remarkable game for the Galaxy. They lead the Western Conference with four wins in five games after trouncing the last-place Quakes, who were shut out for the sixth time already this season.

After an early goal set up by Beckham’s cross, Buddle connected on two second-half headers to bury the Galaxy’s upstate rivals in front of 39,872 fans – the largest crowd to watch the Quakes. Steve Cronin made just one save in his second shutout of San Jose this season.

“This team is more than capable of winning games without big players,” Beckham said of the Galaxy, who also played without suspended forward Alan Gordon. “It’s not about individuals. It’s about the team, and the work we’ve put in.”

Buddle, an eight-year MLS veteran with four clubs, had another hat trick May 18 against Dallas, giving him eight goals in the Galaxy’s last five games. With Beckham setting up MLS’ top two goal-scorers, the Galaxy’s peerless offense leads the league with 28 goals, including nine in nine games by Donovan.

The Galaxy scored in the seventh minute when Josh Tudela headed Beckham’s accurate cross back to Buddle for a goal from the top of the penalty area.

Ante Jazic found Buddle in the middle for a snappy header early in the second half, then, in the 68th minute, Buddle struck again with an athletic header while fighting off a defender.